Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Center for Tobacco Use Reduction
|
921 N.E. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-270-0501, Ext. 3219 |
Join us for
Stop Smoking
Classes!
Every Monday 1 - 2 p.m.
or
Every Tuesday 7 - 8 a.m.
Room 8B-124
Oklahoma City VA
Medical Center
405-270-0501
Ext. 3219
Or send an email
for more information.
|
And a special thanks to Mark Brennaman, an Oklahoma City veteran, a recent quitter of smoking and a VA Medical Center volunteer, for the design and production of this presentation. |
Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
Not every person who stops smoking gains weight. Exercise is an effective way to cope with withdrawal and to avoid weight gain. Even if you do gain 5-10 pounds it'll only be temporary, and it's much healthier than continuing smoking.
I don't have the willpower to quit.
More than 3 million Americans stop smoking every year. More veterans are quitting than ever before. You may not succeed the first time you try to quit, but many people are successful after several attempts.
Is it better to stop cold turkey or over a longer period of time?
There is no best way to quit. The best method for you depends on your current situation and we're here to help you decide the most effective plan for you.
Why do I cough more now that I've stopped?
About 20 percent of former smokers report an increase in coughing after they quit. This is a temporary response thought to be caused by an increase in the lung's ability to remove phlegm, so it actually represents recovery of the lung's defense mechanisms.
I smoke only low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes, so I don't need to quit, right?
No. There's no such thing as a safe cigarette.
Now that I've quit, can I smoke a cigarette occasionally?
No. Nicotine addiction seems to be re-triggered quickly in most former smokers. Don't risk getting hooked again.
Should I tell other people I'm trying to quit?
Yes. Get support from your family, friends and co-workers. There are many people who want to see you succeed in being a quitter.
What should I do when I get the urge to smoke?
Cravings for a cigarette are a normal part of withdrawal and usually last only a few minutes. Take a brisk walk. Drink water or juice. Do anything you can for a few minutes to distract yourself from the craving. These urges will eventually go away.
How can I get a prescription for the patches and medication?
If it's not possible for you to visit the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center for the Readiness to Quit Clinic, call or email Dr. Dona Zanotti. She'll work with you and your primary care provider to develop a stop smoking plan that will best suit your needs. Dr. Zanotti's phone number is 405-270-0501, Ext. 3219, or you can send her an email by clicking here.
How can I keep track of my quit?
Here's a smoke-free meter you can download that will keep track of how long you've been smoke-free, how much money you've saved and how much time you've added to your life by not smoking. This meter is fun to watch, and the bigger the numbers get the bigger the motivation to stay smoke-free. The meter program is free. All you have to do is visit Silk Quit.